Turmeric, Curcumin and Edema

Edema occurs when there is abnormal fluid retention in the circulatory system or in spaces between body cells. This will cause swelling and usually occurs on the legs, feet or ankles and is accompanied by shortness of breath, muscle pain, facial puffiness, abdominal bloating or change in mental state. The face and hands also may get affected. Pregnant women normally get edema although others can also get it. While edema is a symptom, persistent edema could indicate more serious health problems.

Some causes could be, remaining in one position (sitting or standing) for long, medications, hormonal changes, allergies, hypertension, head injury or exposure to extreme heat or high altitudes. High altitude cerebral edema occurs in mountain climbers which could be fatal. Treatment options include drug therapies, alternative therapies, surgery, acupuncture, lifestyle changes or massages.

Turmeric, Curcumin & Edema

Turmeric is a medicinal herb which has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Asian medicine to treat a wide range of medical problems. While herbs like turmeric may not specifically treat a disorder like a drug, it is a safe way to strengthen the immune system and fight against destruction by toxins in the environment. Patients are always advised to check with the doctor before incorporating any herb in their diet plan for medicinal purposes.

Edema causes inflammation of various parts of the body. Turmeric has been studied for its potential as a safe anti-inflammatory. Curcumin which is the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric has the potency equivalent to several anti-inflammatory drugs like hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone. Unlike these drugs which can cause side effects like ulcers or intestinal bleeding with long term use, curcumin does not demonstrate any side effects.

A study was conducted on the role of curcumin in inflammation and oxidative stress caused by cerebral edema. Simulated altitudes of 25,000 feet were created and rats were introduced to this for different durations. The brain water content, oxidative stress, transvascular leakage and pro-inflammatory parameters were examined at these different durations. Rats exposed to 24 hours of hypoxic exposure experienced maximum transvascular leakage of the brain. There was also an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines. The rats exposed to 24 hours hypoxia were pre-treated with curcumin. It was found that this pre-treatment significantly eased symptoms of cerebral transvascular leakage caused by hypoxia.

Another study was conducted on the effects of turmeric on cerebral edema caused due to traumatic brain injury. Many medical therapies to limit the devastating effects of cerebral edema have not been very effective. Hence various alternative therapies are being studied. Mice were pre-treated with curcumin and then brain trauma was induced. It was found that the neurological parameters were better and fluid retention in the brain was significantly less in such mice. Curcumin was able to reduce activation of many inflammatory factors.

One study concentrated on the effects of turmeric on focal ischemia caused due to traumatic brain injury. Curcumin offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which were targeted for this study. Male rats were subject to focal ischemia and various parameters were examined. It was found that the curcumin treated rats had reduced infarct volume. These studies show that turmeric could be a safe and viable option to treat cerebral edema.

Taken internally as supplements, turmeric is used to treat headaches, edema, bronchitis, colds, fevers, indigestion and more. Topical use of turmeric to treat edema has also been examined. Edema causes swelling of the joints of the feet, ankles and legs. Rats were induced with paw edema and divided into groups. One group was treated with a topical gel application of turmeric powder combined with isopropyl alcohol, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and polyethylene glycol-6000, one group was treated without turmeric powder and in another group, turmeric was replaced with diclofenac – a standard anti-inflammatory drug. After the study period, the various parameters were examined. It was found that turmeric even at a low dose of 3.33% was able to inhibit paw edema by nearly 27.4%. This shows that turmeric could be used as a safe anti-inflammatory agent.

Turmeric is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The recommended dosage for rheumatoid arthritis is 400mg thrice a day. This protects the body from damage by free radicals and reduces joint swelling. Since edema also causes joint swelling and inflammation, turmeric could benefit the treatment of these symptoms too.

Dosage

For inflammatory conditions, curcumin standardized extracts of 400-600mg thrice a day is the recommended dosage. If a tincture extract of turmeric is used, then the usual dosage is 0.5-1.5ml thrice a day. The usual dosage for osteoarthritis is 500mg twice a day of Meriva, Indena – a specific turmeric extract and 500mg four times a day of non-commercial turmeric extracts.

Precautions

Turmeric when used as a spice in food is generally safe for everyone. When taken as a supplement, turmeric in high doses could cause indigestion, dizziness, nausea or diarrhea. Those with gallbladder problems or are taking medications for diabetes or anti-coagulants or anti-platelets, pregnant and breastfeeding women must avoid turmeric supplements. High doses have resulted in liver problems in laboratory animals although similar effects have not been seen in humans. Those who need to undergo surgery must stop taking turmeric two weeks before the due date as it slows blood clotting.

Edema could be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. So, always check with your doctor before taking turmeric supplements.

21 Comments

Turmeric tea will benefit your health and may help mitigating the cause of lymphedema. However it is advisable to take Golden Paste too for a more therapeutic effect. Start with small doses such as 1/4-1/2 tsp and if you see no side effects then increase the dose gradually to 1-2 tsp 2-3 times a day over a few weeks. Best taken with food to avoid acid reflux. Avoid taking it at the same time when you take other meds. http://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-recipes/how-to-make-turmeric-paste-or-golden-paste

Yes turmeric has kidney protective properties as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that benefit in kidney diseases.http://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-benefits/turmeric-a-powerful-weapon-against-kidney-disorders
A few things to be mentioned, turmeric is high in oxalates so if you are susceptible to developing kidney stones please limit or avoid consuming turmeric as a spice. Also turmeric offers potassium so if you are asked to limit potassium intake then turmeric should be consumed in moderation. You can opt for turmeric supplements but consult a health practitioner prior.

I was wondering about the effects on blood pressure. Many anti inflammatory edits can cause sodium retention, causing blood pressure ekes actions and therefore contribute to heart disease/failure. Is Tumeric safe in these diseases?

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory property and antimicrobial property can benefit in edema. Turmeric may help in mitigating the cause of edema. One important thing to note that turmeric powder is high in oxalates which is not good for gout. If you are not getting oxalates from any other dietary source then low doses of turmeric should not be a problem. Turmeric supplements are advised in treatment of gout but it is best to consult a doctor about this.

I have swelling & redness in my feet The Dr. can’t find the cause,he wants me on 80 mg fluid pill, trying to avoid that. What can I do ? I am desperate, was in hospital they couldn’t find the cause, I went thro all the test, everything was normal , please help.

I know this is a health website and I am finding it very helpful. It says when taking the medicinal treatment of 400-600MG thrice per day to be careful not to take it too long. What would be considered too long? Months, weeks, days? I have a health condition I would like to take it for but do not know for how long is too long then switching to Tumeric milk or smoothies. Please let me know. Thanks!

Thanks for writing. The actual side effects are not severe and also slow. Thus “long” is very subjective. I would stop taking large dosages as soon as I feel better. For example in case of inflammation, the time when it is subsiding or manageable would be “long”. People in studies have been given large dosage for weeks to some months too.

Sorry, I cannot be very specific here as this does not work like modern pills at all!

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